He was thus engaged when a second knock startled all. Capt. Asbury wheeled and demanded:
"Who's there?"
"Duke Vesey, under a flag of truce."
No name could have astonished the cattlemen more. This was the man whom Sterry had expected to meet, and in whose care it was supposed Jennie Whitney had placed herself.
Instead of that, he was asking admittance.
"Your flag will be respected," said Capt. Asbury, drawing back the bolts of the door, which was next swung inward a few inches.
The rustler stepped within, saying:
"I have been sent by Capt. Inman to inquire the meaning of the absence of Fred Whitney, who was sent here a considerable time ago."
"That is the cause of the delay," replied the captain, pointing to where the young rancher was doing his utmost to revive his mother.
The captain thought himself justified in turning the incident to account.